Portsmouth fans hammer ‘Pathetic’ Colby Bishop moment after Derby controversy
Portsmouth have a massive run-in still ahead of them as they drew 2-2 with Derby County in the Championship survival battle at Fratton Park.
The two sides approached the game (12 April) three points apart in Pompey’s favour, with Derby knowing an away win would see them leapfrog John Mousinho’s side despite being five places below them.
Portsmouth could certainly draw on their home form, which has been the backbone of their survival bid this campaign, for confidence to take what would have been a vital three points.
As it was, Rob Atkinson’s double on his return to fitness was balanced out with an own goal on his part, as well as Jerry Yates’ opener.
Colby Bishop passed up huge early chance from 12 yards
Portsmouth have endured their share of agony on the road of late, beaten by late winners in each of their last two outings at Millwall and Coventry City.
The Coventry loss in particular was a huge stinger having defended so robustly for 94 minutes, only to concede a late back-post volley to leave the West Midlands empty-handed.
Back on home turf, Pompey have been used to flying from the traps and the same happened here, as Matt Ritchie won a stonewall penalty out of Derby goalkeeper Jacob Zetterstrom just seven minutes in.
Bishop – Nottingham-born and therefore the subject of some extra ribbing from the travelling support – stepped up in front of the Derby fans but was denied by Zetterstrom, who redeemed himself after taking a booking for the challenge.
Pompey fans were quick to offer their views on X, both lamenting the missed chance and slamming the referee’s decision not to send off the Derby stopper.
It threatened to prove very costly when the away side twice led, only to be pegged back twice by Atkinson headers.
Portsmouth have four huge games to go
Of the four matches remaining for Portsmouth, there are two at home and two away – the finale at Fratton Park against Hull City potentially vital (3 May).
Hopefully for Pompey, they will be out of the picture by that point and safely able to plan for Championship football next season.
| Portsmouth – final four | Date |
| Norwich (A) | 18 April |
| Watford (H) | 21 April |
| Sheffield Wed (A) | 26 April |
| Hull (H) | 3 May |
Derby have been in a great turnaround run of form at the business end for themselves, while Plymouth Argyle’s lunchtime comeback win over Sheffield United was a prime example of the unpredictability of the Championship.
It’s not over, but the Blues will believe they have enough in the tank to – at the very least – finish above three sides this season. A defeat would have been disastrous, but it’s still in their hands at Fratton.